Energy assistance eligibility explained

By Caroline Rosacker

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporations (NEICAC) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to qualifying homeowners and renters with limited resources for home heating costs and energy crisis situations.

"We serve Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek counties," noted Karli Schmelzer, CCAP Operation and Development Director NEICAC. 

Changes in eligibility

Some eligibility requirements related to calculating household income have changed.

• Income for children under age 18 is no longer countable household income.

• Child support income is no longer considered countable household income. 

• Family Investment Program (FIP) income is no longer considered countable household income.  

In-person assistance

NEICAC Family Service Specialist Christine Clagg is available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday   from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. - noon  at the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital Family Resource Center, and assists individuals with LIHEAP, and Crisis applications, applying for Head Start services, and making referrals to other NEICAC programs or local resources to improve the stability and quality of life for individuals and families with limited resources. 

"Our bundled services help me assist people in crisis situations," said Clagg. "NEICAC's partnership with the Family Resource Center makes an impact and adds value to residents. My job is to empower people and make them feel less helpless." 

"Individuals and families in need are often facing multiple barriers," added Schmelzer. "Christine, and all of our Family Services Specialists do a great job evaluating needs and combining our programs and services with those of local partners and organizations, all working to create better outcomes for individuals and families experiencing poverty." 

Qualifying households

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) Family Service Offices began taking limited applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on Oct. 1.

Households that can apply starting Oct. 1 must have one of the following conditions:

• a member who is 60 years old or older

• have a member who is disabled

• have a written disconnection notice

• is disconnected from their energy heating or electric source 

• have less than 30 percent propane or low fuel

• homeowners with a non-working furnace

All other households must wait until Nov. 1 to apply.

How to apply

LIHEAP customers will need to furnish the following:

• The Social Security number of each household member, regardless of age, must be provided for that household member to be eligible. At least one household member must provide a Social Security number documentation for the household itself to be eligible.

• A copy of their most recent heat and electric bill.

• Documentation of gross income for everyone living in the home for the previous 30 calendar days, the most recent 12 months or for the previous calendar year. 

Federal income guidelines

Eligibility for participation is established according to the following federal income guidelines: 

One resident, $29,160 annually

Two residents, $39,440 annually

Three residents, $49,720 annually

Four residents, $60,000

Five residents, $70,280

Six residents, $80,560

Seven residents, $90,840

Eight residents, $101,120

For households with more than eight members, add $10,280 annually for each additional member. 

There is no wrong door

"Anyone who is facing disconnection from their heat or electric source should communicate with their vendor and connect with NEICAC to see what assistance might be available," they encouraged. "There is no wrong door. We offer a variety of methods to apply for assistance and those residing in our service area who desire to apply in person are able to do so at any of our Family Services Outreach offices."

Note: During LIHEAP season the Elkader office will be closed on Tuesdays to assist those desiring to apply in person in Monona. 

For additional information or an online application see www.neicac.org, or call 563-380-3728.